Questions & answers · General insurance
How long does an insurance company have to accept or deny a claim?
General insuranceSlow or stuckCaliforniaChecked Nov 5, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-05 · Source: Cal. Code Regs. · 10 CCR 2695.7 Standards for Prompt, Fair and Equitable Settlements · § 2695.7(b), (c)(1), (h) View original ↗
In short
- The time depends on your state. This is California's rule.
- California insurers must accept or deny within 40 days after proof of claim.
- They must say in writing why, and tell you about CDI.
What this means
Time limits differ by state and by type of policy. This answer gives one example, the California claim rules for insurers. Other states have their own rules [1].
In California, an insurer must acknowledge a notice of claim within 15 calendar days. It may skip this if it pays within that time [2]. After it gets proof of claim, it has no more than 40 calendar days to accept or deny the claim, in whole or in part [1]. A denial must be in writing [1]. The letter must say you can ask the California Department of Insurance to review the matter [1].
If the insurer needs more time, it must send a written notice. The notice lists what more it needs. It must send the notice every 30 calendar days until it decides [1]. After it accepts a claim, it has no more than 30 calendar days to pay [1]. The 40-day rule does not apply to some policy types, such as certain disability income policies [1].
Your next step
Write down the date you sent your proof of claim. Count 40 calendar days from that date. If the insurer has not decided, ask in writing for its decision and the reason for the delay.
Check it yourself
Your state's rules and your policy set your real deadlines. The sources here are for California only. Other states, such as Texas and Florida, have their own limits — "Don't know yet" in this answer.
Where this comes from (2)
[1] Cal. Code Regs. · 10 CCR 2695.7 Standards for Prompt, Fair and Equitable Settlements · § 2695.7(b), (c)(1), (h) · checked 2026-11-05
shall immediately, but in no event more than forty (40) calendar days later, accept or deny the claim, in whole or in part … Where an insurer denies or rejects a first party claim, in whole or in part, it shall do so in writing … the claimant may have the matter reviewed by the California Department of Insurance … the written notice shall be provided every thirty (30) calendar days until a determination is made … in …
[2] Cal. Code Regs. · 10 CCR 2695.5 Duties upon Receipt of Communications · § 2695.5(e)(1) · checked 2026-11-05
every insurer shall immediately, but in no event more than fifteen (15) calendar days later, do the following unless the notice of claim received is a notice of legal action: (1) acknowledge receipt of such notice to the claimant unless payment is made within that period of time
How we found this
We matched your question to 2 official sources, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-05.
What we don’t know yet
Your own plan or notice may say something different. If your letter cites another rule, send it and we will look again.
Every answer is checked against the official rule it quotes.
Information only — not legal advice. Your plan, insurer or agency decides.
This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
Answer id CQ4619. Spotted an error? Tell us.